Google Plus just entered the social media scene in 2011, making it seem like a baby among the major players Facebook and Twitter, but in just a few short years, it has risen to become one of the most important social media options for businesses.
The Figure Behind Google Plus
Google Plus can do what some of Google’s previous efforts haven’t, and reach the masses. In fact, the site reached 100 million users in a much shorter time span than Facebook, and that number has grown exponentially throughout 2013.
Are you sure people automatically sign up for Google Plus profiles, only to never use them? Think again—the site has hundreds of millions of users, and 60 percent of them report using it daily.
In early 2014, Google Plus was known as the second most actively used social media site in the world.
With power like that, it’s surprising that some businesses, especially small businesses, are lagging behind the game.
Using Google Plus to Benefit Your Business
One of the biggest reasons you should use Google Plus? Google. Need we say more? Google Plus has become crucial to the success or failure of a business’s SEO efforts. When a business is actively engaged in Google Plus, they will automatically appear more favorable in search engine results, compared to businesses that don’t use Google Plus at all, or businesses with incomplete profile lists.
Similar to “Like” and “Share” on Facebook, Google Plus has a +1 option, which allows visitors to your profile to express interest or enthusiasm in what you post; a great indicator for search engines that you share relevant, useful, or valuable content, meaning that you are ranked higher.
In addition, the items you post on your Google Plus page will be indexed directly by search engines, which means faster results.
Google Plus and Local Business
While small and local businesses may be most reluctant to use newer forms of social media, often due to a lack of resources, in fact, it is these businesses that can benefit the most from Google Plus, due to their use of Google Plus Local pages.
Small businesses must claim their Local page, and fill it out completely. This serves as a way for customers to find you based on local searches, and can also help you build a sense of trust and loyalty among customers, as they can access reviews and ratings for your business. It’s also a great way to build a dialogue with customers and potential customers, gauge what they’re looking for in your industry, and hear and respond to feedback.
You also have the Google Authorship option, which is another way to give your content authority and build trust among followers.
How to Take Advantage of Google Plus Offers
Google Plus is expected to continue its incredible growth trajectory, making it a must-have in any business marketing, SEO or social media plan. The key to Google Plus, like other social media platforms, is staying relevant and engaged.
Users are encouraged to constantly and consistently create quality content, and integrate the use of Google Plus across their marketing, online and social media efforts, to reap the huge rewards the site has the potential to deliver.
